Defense will win a championship in the 2026 WNBA Finals, but will Valkyries or Dream prevail?
Both the Valkyries and Dream have staked their claims to defense in a year that saw historic offense in the WNBA.
OAKLAND, Calif. — Kiah Stokes, the veteran center, feels validated as the Golden State Valkyries prepare for a potential championship in the 2026 WNBA Finals. The No. 2-seeded team dominated defensively all year long, with a league-leading defensive rating of 99.1. Standing in their way is the No. 4 Atlanta Dream, who improved their defense after a World Cup break.
Both teams boast defensive talent, with six WNBA All-Defense first- and second-team selections combined. Dream forward Angel Reese won Defensive Player of the Year, while Valkyries forward Gabby Williams finished second. The Dream’s offense is formidable, but their lack of a standout individual may be their downfall. The Valkyries, in their second year, aim for their first championship in five years, while the Dream, entering their fourth Finals, seek to end their championship drought.
As the series progresses, it will likely come down to who can create more stops and provide easier scoring opportunities for their teammates.
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